APOD: 2022 July 28 - North Celestial Tree

Good morning, Rallypoint, and welcome to the July 28th edition of Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD): "North Celestial Tree." Based on what online information I could find, the Yiwu Desert Poplar Forests in northwest Xinjiang, China is home to the "hero tree" of the desert: populus euphratica. The trees earn their nick name based on their ability to resist drought, wind-driven sand, salt, and alkali. Images like today's APOD also suggest that it is a photographer's paradise.

Set a tripod up, point to the North Star (Polaris), start gathering exposures, and step back. I can see why one would want to travel there.